LEBANON -- Upgraded charges were leveled against a Sunapee man who is accused of intentionally causing a fatal crash in the 2nd Circuit Court District Division in Lebanon Friday morning.

Robert Dellinger, 53, of Point Birch Lane, Sunapee, was arraigned on two second-degree murder charges via video conference for allegedly causing the deaths of a young couple in a Dec. 7 car crash on Interstate 89.

In the brief hearing, Assistant Attorney General Diana Fenton argued to maintain Dellinger's no bail status, which judge Lawrence Macleod agreed with. Macleod denied a request from Dellinger's attorney for a bail hearing.

Outside of the courtroom, Fenton said after looking at the evidence prosecutors felt the upgraded charges are warranted. He was originally charged with two counts of manslaughter for recklessly causing the death of Vermont couple Amanda Murphy and Jason Timmons.

Prosecutors allege he intentionally drove his vehicle from the southbound lane of travel across the I-89 median and collided with Timmons and Murphy's vehicle, in a failed suicide attempt on his part.

At the time of their deaths Timmons and Murphy were engaged to be married and Murphy was eight months pregnant with their first child.

Dellinger is expected to appear in court next on Jan. 14 for a probable cause hearing.